Two Years of Rainfall Shortages Lead to Historic Low in Sea of Galilee
Israel's Water Authority reported that two consecutive dry seasons in the Sea of Galilee basin led to a historic low in available water, contrasting with severe floods in the south.
The Water Authority released its annual rainfall report on Tuesday, revealing a complex and concerning picture regarding Israel's water resources. According to the report, two consecutive seasons of precipitation shortages in the Sea of Galilee basin have resulted in the lowest cumulative volume of available water recorded in the past century. While national rainfall reached about 95% of the average, the Sea of Galilee basin recorded only 90%.
The impact of the past two seasons is particularly evident in northern water sources. The volume of available water accumulated in the Sea of Galilee since the beginning of the season stood at approximately 142 million cubic meters. The lake's water level peaked at 212.51 meters below sea level, which is 3.71 meters below the upper red line. Stream flows in the north also reflect the situation, with the Jordan River recording about 80% of its multi-year average.
In stark contrast to the north, the country's south and east experienced an exceptional number of intense rainfall events and flash floods. During a significant event in April, Nahal Tze'elim recorded a peak flow of 570 cubic meters per second, the highest ever measured in this stream. Water levels rose by about four meters within half an hour, making the season particularly unusual for such events.
Water Authority Director Yehezkel Lifshitz commented on the data, stating: "The recent rainy season clearly illustrates the gap that can form between national precipitation data and the actual state of water sources. Even when rainfall approaches the average, water sources continue to bear the impact of the previous drought year. The data emphasizes the importance of flexible water resource management in Israel."
